Russia complains of lawlessness in eastern Ukraine

The statement, which also says Ukraine is blocking Russian citizens from entering the country, comes as Russian forces have taken effective control of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, where a referendum has been called for Sunday on whether the region should split off and seek to become part of Russia.

Pro-Russia sentiment is also strong in Ukraine's east and there are fears Russia could seek to incorporate that area.

In the Monday statement, the ministry said lawlessness "now rules in eastern regions of Ukraine as a result of the actions of fighters of the so-called 'right sector' with the full connivance" of Ukraine's new authorities.